Self-assisted wound healing using piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators

ABSTRACT

The complex process of wound healing depends on the coordinated interaction between various immunological and biological systems, which can be aided by technology. This present review provides a broad overview of the medical applications of piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators, focusing on their role in the development of wound healing technology. Based on the finding that the damaged epithelial layer of the wound generates an endogenous bioelectric field to regulate the wound healing process, development of technological device for providing an exogenous electric field has therefore been paid attention. Authors of this review focus on the design and application of piezoelectric and triboelectric materials to manufacture self-powered nanogenerators, and conclude with an outlook on the current challenges and future potential in meeting medical needs and commercialization.

Grpahical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Wound healing
• nanogenerator
• piezoelectric effect
• triboelectric effect
• self-powered system

CLASSIFICATIONS:

• 201 Electronics / Semiconductor / TCOs < 200 Applications, 202 Dielectrics / Piezoelectrics / Insulators < 200 Applications, 211 Scaffold / Tissue engineering/Drug delivery < 200 Applications, 212 Surface and interfaces < 200 Applications

Disclosure statement

No relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships.

Availability of data and material

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and National Tsing Hua University Joint Research Program, [CGMH-NTHU-108-CORPG3I0061].

Notes on contributors

Fu-Cheng Kao

Fu-Cheng Kao is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences at National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. His research interests focus on the medical application of nanogenerators with specific emphasis on osteogenesis, bone fusion and wound healing. He is also an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.

Hsin-Hsuan Ho

Hsin-Hsuan Ho received her Ph.D. degree from Department of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Japan. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. Her research interests include the synthesis of multifunctional piezoelectric nanomaterials for biomedical therapy and the design of smart devices for self-powered monitoring applications.

Zong-Hong Lin

Zong-Hong Lin received his Ph.D. degree from Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taiwan. He is currently a Professor in Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. His research interests include the self-powered (bio)chemical sensors, biomedical diagnostic devices, wearable healthcare electronics and remote intelligent monitoring platform, micro- and nano-electrodes/materials for in-vitro and in-vivo applications.